The term photolithography comes from Latin and is composed of the words for light, stone, and writing. In other words, photolithography means “writing with light”. This process was invented in 1855 by Alphonse Poitevin.
To create the desired pattern on the Mylar surface, a photoresist is applied to the surface. Intense UV light is then directed onto the photoresist-coated Mylar, triggering a chemical reaction that creates the desired pattern or structures. During development, the excess photoresist is washed away. This process can be repeated as often as required to achieve the desired effects and structures.
Learn more about how photolithography works and the role it plays in chemical etching:
Video courtesy of PCMI
